Great companies don’t hide from hard truths. They build systems, rhythms and cultures that drag reality into the light early and often. This article breaks down how leaders can confront the brutal facts with clarity, discipline and confidence, and use them to build a stronger, more resilient organisation.

I recently sat down with Blake McLean, UTS Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Associate Professor and Head of Performance R&D with the Oklahoma City Thunder, 2025 NBA champions. We discussed his research, which focuses on both player and non-player performance, and how it applies to organisational performance. Blake is also a keynote speaker at the CEO Summit 2026.

Our research on Scaling Up Technology firms was presented today at the Academy of Management’s Annual Meeting in Boston. Here is a summary of what we found. The research paper “The Scaling Process: How do High-tech Start-ups Transform during Scaling” dives deep into digitalised or technology-based firms. Specifically on those exceptionally rare firms that successfully transition from a product-focussed start-up to a high and efficiently growing firm capable of growing to a l